APC - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - FEBRUARY 22, 3PM, VILLAS JAZMIN
- Mark Rawlings-Lloyd
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15
Attached are the Agenda and the proposed budget for the 2025 APC AGM. The revenue estimate assumes all current APC members continue paying the current fees. Also included are revenue statements for 2010 and 2024, showing that while income has remained stable throughout, expenses have significantly increased. The fee increase approved in January ensures both the continuation of security operations and the restoration services lost due to rising costs. It will also allow us to absorb this year's expected 20% base pay increase for all workers, including APC employees.
Security remains our top priority. Our immediate neighboring communities, El Javillar and Aguas Negras, are home to many of the bad characters that target Costambar. Our efforts have led to increased police presence and crime reduction in Costambar. However, these will only continue with constant attention.
We need to repair the damaged portion of the perimeter wall; and extend both ends - to the port in the east, and to the river in the west. We already have the Federal government approval to close the right of way along Costambar’s western border—an opportunity we must act upon as soon as possible.
We need to hire a General Security Supervisor to manage security personnel, and to oversee surveillance cameras at the main gate.
Costambar is expanding rapidly. Each new construction site impacts its neighbors and damages our roads. We need to establish communications with each construction site to ensure that basic rules are followed.
At a minimum, the APC should be able to regularly:
- Maintain the perimeter wall as necessary.
- Ensure that construction activities are contained within each construction site.
- Trim vegetation encroaching on our roads.
- Clear intersection corners for safe navigation.
- Organize periodic street cleanings.
- Assist members with legal complaints (noise, theft, dog attacks, etc.).
- Further strengthen cooperation with the National Police on crime prevention.
- Collaborate with local businesses on parking and noise management.
- Keep each abandoned lot from becoming a menace to its neighbors and the community.
Unlike North America and Europe, where property taxes fund these kinds of services, Costambar relies on self-help. A monthly APC fee of $10–$50 is minimal compared to similar communities on he North Coast. "Plantations", for instance, charges $200+ per lot for security and landscaping. While some properties in Costambar do pay property taxes - those monies go to the Federal Government - not to Puerto Plata.
During 2025 we are planning to attract new owners to the APC - it is not fair that a small number of members pay for services that benefit the entire community. Moving forward, APC services - including personal security - will only be available to paying
members. "No pay = no service". Those who contribute should not bear the financial burden for those who do not.
The APC Board is committed to making Costambar safer and better each day. Your support is essential to sustaining and improving our community.
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